Published25. October 2024, 08:45
Alpine skiing: Odermatt, new Swiss icon, sets off again for a tour
The Nidwalden skier, at the start of the first giant of the season on Sunday in Sölden (Aut), is the darling of Swiss sports fans. He is soon at the level of a certain Roger Federer, in German-speaking Switzerland in particular.
par
Robin Carrel
The Swiss and one of his many globes.
freshfocus
At the beginning of October, when the Swiss skiers went to collect their equipment for the season, take photos and shoot videos for the Federation and its sponsors, then respond to the media, around ten athletes were entitled to their own personal press conference. Only one of his athletes saw the question and answer session broadcast live, in image and in text beyond Sarine: Marco Odermatt. This shows the aura of the triple title holder of the general classification among the German-speaking people. And it’s not far from being the same in Romandy…
The Olympic giant champion in Beijing in 2022 and double world champion (downhill and giant) in Courchevel-Méribel in 2023 even recently experienced recognition for an athlete from his country. He shot advertisements for a telephone operator which sponsors Swiss Ski in the company of the ultimate idol of an entire people: Roger Federer. It’s anything but a coincidence. The Nidwalden is the new bankable character in the land of William Tell. You just need to take a look at its website to see it. There are a whopping 26 (!) personal partners there. Mad.
With Wendy Holdener and the new equipment.
freshfocus
During the day officially launching the 2024/2025 financial year, the question of the parallel with the “GOAT” Federer was asked of him, inevitably… “It’s always a special comparison for me, of course, had limit timidly replied the Nidwalden who celebrated his 27th birthday on October 8. To make such a connection between me, a skier, and Roger Federer is great! This is what is being done in Switzerland at the moment and it is quite pleasant. I don’t feel on the same level as him.”
“I was able to get to know Roger a little during the filming of these commercials,” continued the Helvetian. It’s cool to have been able to talk with him a lot. At first, we were a little reserved, but after four or five meetings, it became very nice. It is exactly as we imagine it! I think I was the shyest at the start…”
Reserved, shy, dominant in his discipline, not one word higher than the other and a dream representative for those who want to communicate via an athlete: the casting is definitely similar between the two Swiss superstars. The skier even spent a very sporty and patriotic summer, having been invited to Alinghi and the national football team.
His own brand.
Descente Japan Ltd.
But to be able to capitalize on the results, you have to continue to shine on the pitch. And for that too, you can count on Marco Odermatt (who has just launched a clothing line in his name). “I don’t see the position of reigning champion as an additional pressure,” he replied in Dübendorf at the beginning of October. I must not give up the medals and globes I have already won. They are at home. Afterwards, if someone is faster than me next season, it will be up to them to collect the medals.
This season, with the Worlds in Saalbach (Aut) in the middle, the Swiss announced that his big objective for the winter would be the legendary Kitzbühel downhill, the only “Classic” which is still missing from his gargantuan track record. “It’s definitely on my bucket list, I’ve already achieved all the other things. This is my main goal,” he admitted. From the perspective of the general, “Odi” designated his compatriot and teammate Loïc Meillard as his main potential opponent. He also puts a piece on the Grison Gino Caviezel.
On skis, anyway.
freshfocus
This year, an eight-time winner of the big globe is (perhaps) back in business. The “neo-Dutchman” Marcel Hirscher got a boost for his return to the World Cup, in the form of “wild cards” and a Nos. 31 bib which caused quite a stir in the industry. But this exception which does not confirm any rule is not the kind to make the Nidwalden tremble, like the comeback under the Brazilian colors of the whimsical Lucas Braathen: “It’s great that they are both coming back. This is a good thing for skiing. Lucas hasn’t been gone for very long, I’m not worried about him at all. For Hirscher, we will see. I don’t think he’s forgotten how to ski…”
